Poppy seizures - medicating with Pexion

Yes, I sound calm but I am actually upset and worried. We are trying to do our best for her... but the vet did warn us that the dose may have to be modified or the medication changed if it doesn't work for her. She also said to treat Poppy just the same as normal, but I agree with @M.F. , it's hard not to keep giving her extra little treats to make up for her not feeling great! She had leftover scrambled eggs and smoked salmon this morning, for instance...
 
You could always try phenobarbitone if Pexion upsets her. If you combine the pheno with (I can't remember the name, but was given to soldiers to calm down their sexuality!) you can have a really low dose. It does make them wobbly for first ten days and then they seem fine. I am sorry you are going through this, I empathise.
 
was given to soldiers to calm down their sexuality!
Potassium bromide—KBr. What Snowie was given!

Although he was given it because he had infrequent seizures and didn’t need immediate medication. KBr takes several weeks to kick in whereas Phenobarbitone is more immediate but you must give it per a strict timetable. With KBr, you can miss a dose or two without worry.
 

Jacqui-S

Moderator
Location
Fife, Scotland
:wasntme:

I suppose like all our doggy, and human, illnesses and disorders you just learn to adapt, and try to do your best to maintain normality.
Not that I am minimising seizures. I think THE most scary emergency to deal with. I have only had this happen in front of me once in a person, and it's very scary.
I just hope when the new meds settle in Poppy's system they do their job.
:hug:for you and Marcus, Karen.
 
Lots of love and luck , Karen and Poppy . Phenobarbs do require a very strict timetable so hopefully she will do well without them on this other drug , its all about finding a balance , a therapeutic dose . I really do feel sad for you, it is overwhelming at times as I have experienced , probably more distressing for us than for the dog concerned , I really am sorry xxxxx
 
I'm just worried there's something else going on as well... She was acting as though she was in pain today and the other day as well, before she started the pexion, so it's not a reaction to that. Despite the vet not finding anything with the blood work, I'm going to have another talk with her tomorrow.

Ugh, if only our dogs could talk. :(

Although, probably you know all we'd hear would be 'Are you going to eat that?? Shall we go for a walk? If you're not eating that, I'll have it... Do you want to go and play with some dummies?? Have I mentioned that I am hungry???'
 

Naya

Moderator
Location
Bristol, UK
I totally agree that it is times like this that you wish they could talk. It’s horrible trying to keep calm when inside it’s eating you up.
I bet she LOVED the salmon and scrambled egg. Also, don’t be hard on yourself if you do give her a few tidbits. It’s something we do as humans - feed people / animals when they are unwell. Big hugs to you all :hug:
 
Potassium bromide—KBr. What Snowie was given!

Although he was given it because he had infrequent seizures and didn’t need immediate medication. KBr takes several weeks to kick in whereas Phenobarbitone is more immediate but you must give it per a strict timetable. With KBr, you can miss a dose or two without worry.
Yes, phenobarbitone needs given strictly ever twelve hours, I remember that adding KBr means you can have a lower dose of the phenorbar.
 
I’m so sorry you’re so worried. But I’d be exactly the same, thinking all the worst possible things. Except, look where our dogs are now… Snowie is 10 years old and today he was racing around the beach having the time of his life, one of the bounciest dogs there. And yet I’ve probably spent more days worrying about him than enjoying him. Easy to say we are silly. But we care so much for their wellbeing. I really wish for you and Poppy that things will settle down quickly. Sending lots of love and hugs xxx
 
Just catching up with posts and I'm very sorry to see this.

Our BJ was on Epilease (potassium bromide) for many years after we managed - with a vet's help - to get him off phenobarb. Gradually over years we were able to reduce the dose to a VERY low level as his seizures became less frequent but, I was never brave enough to take him off meds altogether. He didn't have any seizures in his final 3 years.

I very much hope you find the right level of meds for Poppy. If I can help with any of BJ's experiences, I'd be only troo happy to tell you anything. We kept a diary for many years in an attempt to find a pattern or anything that may be exacerbating his illness.
 
Just thought I'd give a quick update... Poppy seems to be doing very well on the Pexion so far. Ten days in and no seizures, and no sign that she is any more hungry or sleepy or agitated than normal. In fact, I would say she actually seems happier than I have seen her in a long time - for instance we did some dummy training with my group at the weekend, and not only was she TOTALLY up for it (pushing in front of the other dogs and running in!!!), but she actually rolled around on her back playing with a small dummy in her paws, like a puppy!! And in the evening she seems so happy in her new extremely comfortable doggy bed, and rolls onto her back wanting us to stroke her tummy and tell her she's beautiful. :heart::happy:

I know it's early days, but I am very hopeful this is going to help her! :fingers:
 
Just thought I'd give a quick update... Poppy seems to be doing very well on the Pexion so far. Ten days in and no seizures, and no sign that she is any more hungry or sleepy or agitated than normal. In fact, I would say she actually seems happier than I have seen her in a long time - for instance we did some dummy training with my group at the weekend, and not only was she TOTALLY up for it (pushing in front of the other dogs and running in!!!), but she actually rolled around on her back playing with a small dummy in her paws, like a puppy!! And in the evening she seems so happy in her new extremely comfortable doggy bed, and rolls onto her back wanting us to stroke her tummy and tell her she's beautiful. :heart::happy:

I know it's early days, but I am very hopeful this is going to help her! :fingers:
Yay! Great to hear re: no seizures and a happy Poppy.
 
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